Stuff Deleted…Thankfully

Title says it all. The end.

Going Out Is Such A Chore

The run of the mill places that I used to be so fond of no longer hold my interest. Broader horizons abound, I’ve no interest in those places that I once called home or viewed as some sort of security blanket. The smokey haunts that I used to frequent now just make me feel nauseous…quite literally. My social life, in a manner of speaking, has fallen by the wayside. It’s not as though I’ve no desire to leave the house, but in lieu of going to a place I’ve been 100 times before filled with people I’ve really no interest in spending time with, the couch and a few good books seem to offer me something a bit more inspiring.

I must admit, it is easy to become disenchanted. It is easy to look around at people and places that have seemingly not changed in the last 12 or so years (That I’ve been “legal”) and question what the fuck, doesn’t anything ever change? Doesn’t anyone ever step outside of the lives they’ve created for themselves, and do something…anything different? I guess it is easier to follow the path of less resistance. Set in their ways. But, what happened to the excitement and creativity? Though the area has not necessarily been a bastion of creativity over the last 10 years, I look around at cities that have less than we’ve ever had and have seen how those folks create something from nothing. What’s the difference then?

For me, it boils down to a simple statement: Give me something different or exciting. I don’t need something new or innovative, I just need something to get the blood coursing through my veins…a reason to do the things that I once was so enamoured and fond of.

One

I’ve got the unfortunate talent of becoming completely comfortable in certain situations only to let my guard down. In doing so I become crushed when things go awry. No, it’s not something I am genuinly happy about, but it’s who I am; warts and all I guess you could say. I think thats what they call wearing your heart on your sleave.

I often wish I could be more callus. I often wish I could let things slide off of me like water off of a ducks back. But wishes as such don’t usually come true leaving me feeling like I’ve just gone through a tornado. Still alive and kicking. Barely.

They say what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. And well…no, I’ve never died from getting my hopes dashed or anything of the like, but I also don’t feel any stronger nor wiser…unless you take into consideration the wisdom I’ve attained in realizing that’s just a part of who I am.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s to appreciate everything that happens on a daily basis. God knows everything can (and many times will) slip away in a blink of an eye.

Interview: American Steel

American Steel…where do I begin? A little over 10 years ago I discovered American Steel and little did I know, at that point, they would become one of my favorite bands of all time. Shortly after my initial discovery, on a warm night in the back of Sound Idea Records, I finally got the opportunity to see them play in support of Ann Beretta. They absolutely blew my mind. From that point on I became enamored with American Steel and they have been my favorite band ever since. Years passed, they formally dissolved and returned as Communiqué, and then to the adulation of a huge chunk of the underground music community they regrouped some time last year. This past winter I was afforded the opportunity to interview the band. Below is one of the two interviews that I received in return. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing a band that needs no introduction, American Steel!

 

Who am I speaking with?

Rory.

How and when did you become actively involved in music?

I had piano lessons as a boy, as well as playing in the school music programs growing up. I first became really passionate about music when I took up guitar and began writing my own songs when I was 12. Although before that I was always tinkering on whatever was about, mainly inventing my own melodies.

One thing has always impressed me with American Steel (and extending to Communiqué) is that on the outside, from the fans perspective, friendship seems to be the foundation of the band. How important is friendship to the band?

Very important. We started off as a bit of a party band, playing together for something to do with ourselves. We were sitting around drinking beer together anyway, so starting a group was a step towards being somewhat constructive. I would not be in a group where I was not friends with the others.

 

Photo by: Steve Loewinsohn

Take me back to 1995 when American Steel first started. Beyond the obvious (progression of song writing, etc.), how have things changed for you as a band? 

Well, we used to just spend hours playing songs that I had written the previous years, drinking beer, switching off instruments and generally having a laugh. Our first shows were parties, but things sort of fed themselves. Our first club show we were offered a record, and we ran with it because it was good fun. We booked our own tours, eventually other labels, bands were interested and we began to grow out the basements. That is, they were starting to get dangerous. It stayed fun until we stopped in 2001. With some time away, we’re having fun again and have the same spirit as when we first started.

What effect if any has that had on your personal life?

Playing music has been the dominant element in my life for at least 15 years. Aside from my family it really has guided me everywhere I’ve gone, everyone I’ve met, almost everything I’ve done. It’s been a great adventure, I think especially coming from the underground.

Back in 1995 did you ever think that you would get the opportunity to record three EPs and four LPs, and go on countless tours all over the place playing with some really amazing bands?

I hoped we would, but I had no illusions much less the ambitions frankly. I’ve always been up for some fun and adventure, and I’ve gone where the wind was blowing for much of my life. I really wouldn’t change anything.

Initially American Steel ceased to be after you had gone on some pretty high profile tours namely with Murder City Devils (who were at their height of popularity) and Hot Water Music. When you reformed under the American Steel moniker was there a conscious decision to pick up where you left off, or did you go into things with an attitude of whatever happens happens, and let’s just take things as they go?

I’d say more the latter as there wasn’t much in the way of premeditation. Although, it did feel like picking up right from where we left off in many different ways.

All of you have been playing music for the better part of your lives. Are there any drawbacks to being a musician?

Money. I don’t mind being poor, but we’ve all delayed some non musical intellectual ambitions to be in a band. Many bands hang it up by a certain age if they haven’t made enough to live on. It’s sad really, sadder still that many fans have an air of entitlement about the music they choose to listen to. Some even believing that bands should play only out of love and specifically make no money. Which most do, and only seek to make a meager living where they can pay rent, and don’t have to work the kind of jobs that either allow you to go on tour or are insignificant enough to leave forever when it’s time to tour. That is, jobs most music fans wouldn’t deign to work themselves. And no, bands don’t make any money on tour unless they are drawing over 1,000 people every night, so people will need to find another way to justify not paying for music. It’s disgusting that so many people have no respect and almost disdain for those who spend their lives creating the music they so enjoy.

Photo by: Chrissy Piper

Being in a band can make you feel the highest of highs and sometimes the lowest of lows. What keeps you going as a band?

Ultimately the same thing that got us started, the love of writing and playing music. That’s all there is for most of us. 

What was the last ingenious thing that you’ve done?

Uh… Maybe the avocado serrano chili salsa I made a few days ago. 

You all seem to big soul fans like myself. What underdog groups/artists do you think more people should know about? Personally I think more people should listen to Frank Wilson, Mary Wells, and the Velvelettes.

First, fans of soul music should buy Sam Cooke “Live at Harlem Square” if they do not already have it. It’s amazing, and will surprise casual fans of The Cooke. Also, hearing Nina Simone cover Nick Drake is equally transcendent. I would definitely suggest looking for rare and non cd released recordings from well known artists. Like Al Green’s and Stevie Wonders’ rad Beatles covers. 

This question might be a bit cryptic, but what song would you want to be played at your funeral?

Adagio For Strings by Samuel Barber. That’s incredibly somber, so I would want to lighten the mood by having Rodney Dangerfield interrupt the service with a keg of beer to “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen. “Hey, we’re all gonna get laid!”

Any last words of inspiration or comments?

Be good.

For tour dates and more, visit their website at www.americansteel.org

 

A Death In The Family Tour Poster

I’m not sure if they’ll be happy about me posting the tour poster before they printed them, but I was just so damn excited to see them. Even more so since our names are on them. This is the first time that Steady State’s (hell any band I’ve been in) name is on a legit poster. So excited!

10/18 Pensacola, FL @ Sluggo’s
10/19 Chattanooga, TN @ House show (probably Antarctica)
10/20 Birmingham, AL @ Cave 9
10/22 Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves w/The Draft
10/23 Austin, TX @ Red 7 w/The Draft
10/24 Houston, TX @ White Swan w/The Draft
10/25 TBA, TX w/The Draft
10/27 Gainesville, FL @ Fest w/ Naked Raygun, Seaweed, Small Brown Bike, Avail heaps more! Check out: www.thefestfl.com for more details.
10/30 Athens, GA @ Peter Street Thrashcastle w/Steady State, American Cheeseburger, and Princess Thunderstorm
10/31 Orlando, FL @ Uncle Lou’s Entertainments Hall w/Steady State, more TBA
11/1 Tampa, FL @ SPOT w/Steady State, Tim Version, Fake Problems, and one more TBA

Rock For Light

Walking down Chase Street, we made our way to the Belvedere Hotel. The Belvedere is an old (probably early 1900’s) hotel just north of downtown Baltimore. Ivy told me that HR’s dub band was playing tonight in the 13th floor bar atop the Belvedere, but by the looks of the people coming out of the hotel or in the lobby you’d never know. Apparently there was a wedding in the downstairs ballroom leaving people in fine clothing to mill around in and outside of the hotel.

My love affair with Bad Brains wore off long ago, probably around the time that I became more aware of the politics that surround the punk scene. Maybe aware isn’t the best word to say…I suppose to say when I stopped loving punk just for aesthetics, and started living by the ideology surrounding it. Don’t get me wrong, Bad Brains were rad musically, but then again some people like to think Underoath is good as well. Just not really into the, you know, rampant homophobia and God thing. Regardless, I still thought it would be funny to see crazy ole HR play a show. Let’s face it, HR is crazy, but I didn’t know how crazy until I got up close and personal.

Ivy, Collins and I entered the Lobby. Other than a few stragglers that seemed like they might be into reggae, and a lone 8 1/2″ x 11″ flier, there were no real discernible signs as to what was happening 13 stories above my head. The elevator doors opened, and we, along with six other people got on the cramped elevator that seemed to be big enough for maybe three. Needless to say my heart-rate increased just a bit as did my breathing. “In the spirit of full disclosure, I just want to let you all know that I am claustrophobic, and if this elevator breaks I will freak out,” I announced to the strangers inside. One lady said, “I can cure your claustrophobia by knocking you out.” “Uh, thanks I guess?”

13 floors later the doors opened, and I realized two things:

1) This bar had an amazing view of Baltimore.

2) The amazing view didn’t take away the fact that the bar sucked otherwise.

I made my way to the bar and asked for a drink.

Me: Do you have any cider?

Bartender: No, we only have Coors Light, Bud Light, and two Corona’s left.

Me: Hmm, can I get a Jameson and ginger-ale then?

Bartender: (After looking behind the bar) We don’t have Jameson.

Me: Can I have a Jack and ginger-ale then?

Bartender: We are out of Jack.

Me: (After posing the question to myself, could this bar be any worse?) Do you have Maker’s then?

Bartender: Yes, would you like a drink.

Me: YES PLEASE!

Bartender: Makers and what?

Was this man kidding? Did he really forget what I asked for literally two minutes prior to this conversation? Survey says: yes. What a tool. I finally got my well overpriced drink of poison, and made my way to the area that my friends were standing in. “Hey has anyone seen HR yet?” I asked Mike. Mike mentions that he’s walked around a few times, but other than that he’s not made any official appearance. My other friend Ryan mentioned that HR has been a hilarious mix of mumbled words and weird actions the other times he’s seen him play. Tonight will be good.

After a few more moments spent on milling around, I saw some crazy looking man sitting down in a chair in front of a band. He had what looked to be a blue T-shirt on his head covering dreads, and an old mans pin striped suit on. On closer inspection, it was the almighty HR, in the flesh. The band played, and he mumbled incoherently into the mic. I was lucky enough to make out the words Jah and God at least 100 times throughout the course of the night. I also felt fortunate enough to recognize a few letters of the alphabet. I had to make my way to the front.

As I squeezed my way through a very weird crowd composed of new school Reggae heads, a few punks, and the aforementioned wedding party, I finally made it to the front of the stage. On closer inspection I realized that he, indeed, was wearing a T-shirt on his head, and propped up next to him was a guitar case with a crash helmet. He carried this guitar case and helmet with him all night. Apparently this was a “friend” that he brought with him to the show. Presumably his “friend” was wearing this helmet to protect his head. I’d bargain to say that HR was goofed up on some kind of space weed, and he should have been wearing the helmet.

The set went on, and HR only got weirder. He left that seat one time in the course of the set to dance with some girls. The rest of the time he sang gibberish with his hands firmly held together as if he was praying, goofy smile on his face. I swear to God that at any moment I fully expected him to say something about a spaceship waiting for him outside to take him home. My God How HR has fallen from grace. This is the same man that used to do back flips off of the stage. The same man that personified the word charisma. The same man who is currently stoned out of his mind with a blue T-shirt on his head, and an imaginary friend.

30 minutes later the band finished, and HR was nowhere to be seen. Rumors flew around that he his merry band of halfwits were purchasing illicit drugs in the back room. I had to get my picture with him. Just as we were making our way to the elevator I saw HR re-appear with his imaginary friend, and I knew I had a date with destiny. I grabbed Ryan and dragged him over to where HR sat down.

“HR, do you mind if I take a picture with you?” I asked. He obliged.  Ryan snapped the picture on my cell phone. Christ I wish I had my camera with me. He said something, but admittedly, I am not the best translator of his brand of stoned out weirdo talk. Eventually he asked me, “Do you have anything to write on?” I fidgeted around in my pockets for a few seconds and handed him a piece of paper. Unsolicited on my part, he handed me an autograph.

With the mission completed we walked away from our hell in the sky and made our way to the car. Back to Ivy’s house and a bowl of Jello. Back to my unfurled sleeping bags and the smell of my dirty running shorts a few short feet away from where I’d lay my head down to sleep. Before I was rendered unconscious by team sleep, a question popped into my head: So this is what happens to aged almost rock stars when they get old?

A Death In The Family Southern Fall Tour Redux

I updated a few things (other bands playing, etc) on the A Death In The Family Southern Fall Tour itinerary. Check it out for current details.

A Death In The Family Southern Fall Tour

A Death In The Family, punk rocks best kept secret (though hopefully not for long) has just posted the dates for their tour of all things redneck and religious. Yes, my prayers have been answered and those boys from down under are coming to the southern portion of good ole’ US of A for a couple of weeks, leading up to Fest, and culminating in three shows with us tagging along. The dates for the tour are below:

10/18 Pensacola, FL @ Sluggo’s
10/19 Chattanooga, TN @ House show (probably Antarctica)
10/20 Birmingham, AL @ Cave 9
10/22 Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves w/The Draft
10/23 Austin, TX @ Red 7 w/The Draft
10/24 Houston, TX @ White Swan w/The Draft
10/25 TBA, TX w/The Draft
10/27 Gainesville, FL w/ Naked Raygun, Seaweed, Small Brown Bike, Avail heaps more! Check out: www.thefestfl.com for more details.
10/30 Athens, GA @ Peter Street Thrashcastle w/Steady State, American Cheeseburger, and Princess Thunderstorm
10/31 Orlando, FL @ Uncle Lou’s Entertainments Hall w/Steady State, more TBA
11/1 Tampa, FL @ SPOT w/Steady State, Tim Version, Fake Problems, and one more TBA

Volcom Tour Pictures

Here are a few pictures from St. Pete’s stop of the Volcom Tour last Friday, August 10th. Hopefully these will tide you bastards over while I finish writing the show review.

ASG

RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS

VALIENT THORR

Goodbye Summertime, I’ll Miss You

In eight hours, my summer vacation will be over. Fin. Done. Bummer indeed. No more waking up when I want too. No more staying in bed if I don’t feel like getting up. No more taking the scooter out to ride aimlessly in the morning, or the afternoon, or late at night. At the same time I’m going to start getting paid my normal pay rate, hell maybe I’ll even be making more money assuming that the states tax cuts don’t take effect until the next fiscal term.

This will be a much more intense year, probably more so, than the past five years that I’ve taught. I’ve been tapped to be fifth grade team leader meaning I have way more responsibility, not only with the kids but my peers, and more stress. I get to book all of the field trips, go to stupid meetings that are so painfully redundant that it’s not even funny, figure out the logistics of family oriented extra curricular events, and oh…so so much more. Then I’ve decided to take the plunge and start working on becoming a nationally board certified teacher, not because I feel that I am an amazing educator, but if I become certified I can become a bit more financially stable.

Goodbye summer time, I’ll miss you.